About Us

At the Monument Policy Group, every asset of the firm is deployed to help our clients, allowing us to utilize the expertise and energy of each partner and employee.  Founded by C. Stewart Verdery in 2006, and including partners Timothy Punke, Andrew Howell, and Jessica Herrera-Flanigan, the Monument Policy Group offers clients a team that is bipartisan and bicameral, with experience in multiple branches and agencies of the federal government, as well as in the business and non-profit sectors.  

C. Stewart Verdery, Jr. Partner and Founder

Prior to founding Monument Policy Group, Stewart was the first Assistant Secretary for Policy and Planning at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security from 2003-05, responsible for immigration, transportation, and international trade policy at DHS. Previously, he worked for six years in Congress as General Counsel to Assistant Senate Majority Leader Don Nickles, Counsel to the Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch, and Legislative Counsel to the Senate Rules Committee. He frequently appears as a media commentator, is an Adjunct Fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, and held senior positions at Vivendi Universal and Baker & Hostetler.  

Timothy E. Punke Partner

Before leaving government service in 2005, Tim served as Chief International Trade Counsel to the Senate Finance Committee and Chairman Max Baucus. He also served as the Committee’s Communications Director on international issues. He previously worked as a policy advisor for the Clinton Administration at the White House National Economic Council. Tim has worked on several campaigns, including as a state director for the Gore-Lieberman 2000 presidential campaign. Tim has also taught business and law courses at Georgetown and George Washington Universities, and held a clerkship for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.  

Andrew P. Howell Partner

Andrew joined Monument Policy Group in early 2007, after holding a variety of leadership positions at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.  He founded and managed the organization's homeland security policy division, working with companies to advocate their interests before Congress and the Executive Branch.  Prior to that, Andrew managed the Chamber's think-tank, the National Chamber Foundation, and led its work on issues including privacy, health care, transportation, and international trade.  Earlier in his career, Andrew worked for a boutique public relations firm.  

Jessica R. Herrera-Flanigan Partner

An expert in media, technology, and national security, Jessica previously served as the Staff Director and General Counsel of the House Committee on Homeland Security.   She also served as Senior Counsel with the Computer Crime & Intellectual Property Section at the Justice Department. She also was a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney. She began her career as an energy, communications, and intellectual property attorney at Crowell & Moring.  She  is a published author and a media commentator.  

Rich Thomas Executive Vice President

Rich is a Capitol Hill veteran who joined Monument Policy Group after nearly a decade of experience in the House of Representatives. As Legislative Director, Rich was responsible for Congressman Bill Pascrell's activity on the Ways and Means Committee, focusing on tax and international trade. Previously, Rich supported the Congressman's role on the Homeland Security Committee, and has a consistent record of success in navigating the legislative maze of Washington.  

Ashley Hoy Senior Vice President

Ashley brings an extensive background on Capitol Hill to the firm and utilizes her wealth of knowledge on legislative procedure, policy and strategy to provide clients with strategic insight into the process.  Ashley previously served as Director of Coalitions for both Sen. Lisa Murkowski on the Senate Republican Conference and then-Rep. Roy Blunt in the House Republican Whip's Office.  She also served as Chief of Staff to Rep. Sue Myrick.  She has extensive expertise on energy, healthcare, and telecommunications issues, but also provides guidance to clients on a wide array of issues and how to accomplish their initiatives on the Hill. 

Jane Alonso Senior Vice President

Jane Alonso served with Sen. Susan Collins for seven years, most recently as Legislative Director, where she handled a range of issues and oversaw Senator Collins's work as a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee.  Jane also served as a Professional Staff Member on the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee from 2003-2005.  Jane previously served as a staff member of Senator Bob Graham, and Representatives Ileana Ros-Lehtinen  and John Mica. 

Kimberly Ellis Vice President

Kimberly Thompson Ellis is a respected tax,trade and economic policy expert who joined the firm in February 2012.  She has been recgonized as a key Congressional expert on trade and tax issues, especially on issues relating to innovation and job creation, and was named one of the “Top Ten” Trade and Tax Staffers of 2009 by Roll Call.  In addition, she has  worked extensively on issues relating to health care, aviation, and energy and natural resources.

Ryan C. Spangler Senior Director

Ryan serves Monument Policy Group's clients on matters relating to transportation, public lands, travel, housing, financial services, and sports.  Prior to joining the firm in June 2007, Ryan was on the staff of Vice President Joseph Biden during his tenure in the U.S. Senate, where he worked closely with the staff of the Senate Judiciary and Foreign Relations Committee. 

Megan Dunn Legislative Manager

Megan Dunn joined Monument Policy Group in February 2012 as Legislative Manager.  She coordinates the firm’s operational and legislative efforts.  She oversees the day-to-day operations of the firm and implements internal policies and procedures.  She is also the primary contact for current and prospective vendors. Megan is responsible for the firm’s social media and marketing presence and is skilled at utilizing interactive technologies as part of a marketing strategy.